TTC Iron vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the TTC Iron and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing linear switches for their smooth keystrokes. The TTC Iron linear switch is renowned for its distinct clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying auditory experience with each press. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice stands out for its vibrant and bright feedback, offering a light touch for a more energetic typing experience. While the Iron switch is known for its easy-to-press nature and mild feel, the Salt Ice switch is praised for its exceptional clackiness and responsiveness. Both switches offer unique benefits that cater to different preferences, making it essential to consider your typing style and preferences before making a decision. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
41g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Iron and Jerrzi Salt Ice both have top and bottom housings made of different materials, with the Iron featuring POM housings while the Salt Ice utilizes polycarbonate. The POM top and bottom housings of the Iron create a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the polycarbonate top and bottom housings of the Salt Ice produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference in material results in distinct sound profiles for each switch.
One similarity between the TTC Iron and Jerrzi Salt Ice is that both switches use housings that are designed to enhance sound quality. While the POM housings of the Iron create a pleasing and unique sound profile, the polycarbonate housings of the Salt Ice offer a sharper and more resonant sound. Both materials are carefully chosen to provide users with a satisfying typing experience and to complement the overall performance of the switch.
The choice of housing material in a switch can have a significant impact on its overall sound profile and feel. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for different qualities to be exhibited when pressing down on a key or letting go of it. The stiffness of the polycarbonate in the Salt Ice bottom housing, for example, contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the translucency of the top housing enhances the overall aesthetics of the switch, particularly when paired with RGB lighting. The POM housings in the Iron offer a deeper and more muted sound, creating a different typing experience compared to the polycarbonate housings of the Salt Ice.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Iron linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it is clear that the Iron is lighter overall. The Iron has an actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Salt Ice has an actuation force of 45 grams. The bottom out force for the Salt Ice is unknown. The difference in actuation force between the two switches may result in a slightly lighter typing experience with the Iron. The actuation force directly affects how much force is needed to register a keystroke, while the bottom out force impacts the overall typing feel when fully pressing the keys down. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Iron may be the better choice, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Salt Ice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Iron linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Iron has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Salt Ice. The Iron switch may provide a slightly more substantial feel when pressed, offering a bit more feedback to the user. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch's shorter travel distance might appeal to those looking for a quicker response time, which is often preferred by gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience. Both switches offer different benefits, but either choice will result in a satisfying typing experience for users depending on their preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
The Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the TTC Iron linear switch offers a distinctive clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and satisfying with each keystroke. This sound profile adds a unique auditory element to the typing experience, making it appealing for users who enjoy a pronounced clicky sound. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch also boasts a bright and clacky sound signature, providing a vibrant and energetic typing experience. Both switches deliver a pleasing sound, but the Iron switch may offer a sharper and more pronounced click compared to the Salt Ice switch. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the TTC Iron linear switch is praised for its easy-to-press design, offering minimal resistance during key presses for effortless typing. The light actuation force of the Iron switch ensures a comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch does not have specific descriptors available, making it challenging to make a direct comparison in terms of feel. However, both switches are linear, indicating a smooth keystroke without tactile feedback, providing a consistent typing experience for users.
Overall, both the TTC Iron linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and potentially similar qualities in feel as linear switches. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, users can choose between the sharp, clacky sound of the Iron switch or the bright, energetic sound of the Salt Ice switch. Additionally, the easy-to-press nature of the Iron switch may appeal to those seeking a light and responsive typing feel, while the feel of the Salt Ice switch remains to be determined. Ultimately, exploring these switches in person and considering individual preferences will help determine the best fit for each user's mechanical keyboard needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Iron linear switch or the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light actuation force, smooth travel, and a pronounced clacky sound, then the TTC Iron switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy bright and clacky characteristics with effortless actuation, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch may be more suitable for your typing needs. Consider how each switch's sound and feel align with your preferences to make an informed decision on which switch will enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that resonates the most with you.
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